Lexus GS350

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Model Overview

Currently one of the best handling midsize luxury sedans available, the Lexus GS 350 has evolved from a comfort-minded offering into one that’s dynamic and agile. In addition to the V-6-powered GS 350, there’s also the turbocharged GS 200t, the GS 450h hybrid, and the high-performance, V-8-powered GS F. All-wheel drive is also available only on the six-cylinder-powered models.

History

Introduced originally in 1991, the first generation Lexus GS was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, and it had a more European look. Production of export-spec GS 300 model, however, didn’t start until 1993. Under the hood is a 227-hp 3.0-liter I-6 paired exclusively to a four-speed automatic transmission. In the Lexus lineup, the GS is slotted in between the front drive ES and the full-size LS, which is the brand’s range-topping model. The second genertion Lexus GS succeeded the first generation car in 1997 and was the first to be offered with an optional 4.0-liter V-8 engine that was bumped up to 4.3 liters in 2001, leading to the name switch from GS 400 to GS 430. A five-speed automatic replaced the old four-speed unit for the second generation model lineup.

The third generation lineup was the first to feature the GS 350 name, which was now used on the base model to indicate the use of a new 3.5-liter V-6 replacing the old 3.0-liter I-6. Models powered by the 4.3-liter V-8 continued to use the GS 430 name until the engine was replaced by a 4.6-liter unit in 2007, which gave it the GS 460 badge. A new six-speed automatic transmission replaced the old five-speed unit on all gas-powered Lexus GS models except the GS 460, which used an eight-speed unit. The third generation Lexus GS was also the first to feature a hybrid called the GS 450h, which used a 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to an electric motor and a CVT. Total system output was 339 hp,only 3 hp short of the GS 460.

The Latest Generation

Debuting as a 2013 model, the current generation Lexus GS 350 features a more aggressive exterior design. The 3.5-liter V-6 carried over unchanged along with the six-speed automatic; however, the latter was replaced by an eight-speed unit after roughly one model year. Lexus brought back the GS 450h and with a total output of 332 hp, it remained the most powerful model until the introduction of the 467-hp GS F for the 2016 model year. Lexus refreshed the GS lineup for the 2016 model year and added the GS 200t as its new base model. In addition to a more aggressive front fascia, the GS 350 also received a small power bump from 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft respectively. In a 2o12 comparison test that also included the Infiniti Q70 (formerly M37), BMW 535i, and Audi A6 3.0T, the Lexus GS 350 won thanks to its confidence-inspiring handling, balance, precision, and well-crafted interior.

Why You’d Consider One

In its class, the Lexus GS 350 is one of the most entertaining to drive and it comes with an interior that’s modern yet driver-centric. Despite its size, the GS 350 also drives smaller than it actually is, making it easy to maneuver or throw into corners on a winding mountain road.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

The Lexus GS 350 technically seats five but the giant central tunnel effectively renders the rear middle seat useless on long drives. There’s also no split-folding rear seat. That makes the GS 350 less practical than some of its competitors.